CD36

Definition: CD36, a major adhesion molecule expressed by monocytes/macrophages, plays a key role in the binding and internalization of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL).

This adhesion molecule, a member of an important scavenger receptor family, contains a very short C-terminal cytoplasmic tail that is known to induce intracellular signalling events. However, the domains on the cytoplasmic tail involved in such signal transduction are unknown.

It is the fourth major glycoprotein of the platelet surface and serves as a receptor for thrombospondin (MIM.188060) in platelets and various cell lines.

Since thrombospondins are widely distributed proteins involved in a variety of adhesive processes, GP IV may have important functions as a cell adhesion molecule.

Other platelet glycoproteins include GP Ib (MIM.606672), the platelet receptor for thrombin (MIM.176930) and von Willebrand factor (MIM.231200), and the complex of GP IIb (MIM.607759) and GP IIIa (MIM.173470), the platelet-binding site for fibrinogen and fibronectin (MIM.134820).